What to Do When There's Noise When Braking Hard?
3 Answers
Solutions for noise when braking hard are as follows: 1. When the brakes emit a sharp noise, besides the brake pads breaking in, the first thing to check is whether the brake pads are worn out or if there are foreign objects. If the brake pads are worn out, they should be replaced immediately; if there are foreign objects, remove the brake pads, take out the foreign objects, and then reinstall them. 2. When the brakes emit a dull noise, check if the brake caliper is worn or if the spring plate has fallen off. If any issues are found, replace them immediately. 3. Check if there are any problems with the friction between the caliper, brake disc, and brake pads. 4. Check if the attachments on the brake pads are loose. If they are, it is recommended to reinforce them or replace the brake pads with new ones.
I've dealt with the issue of noise when slamming on the brakes many times. The most common cause is brake pads worn to the limit, where the warning metal piece directly rubs against the brake disc, creating a particularly harsh metal scraping sound. It could also be due to uneven surfaces on the brake disc, or hard particles in newly replaced brake pads that haven't been properly worn in. After rain, rust on the brake disc can cause squeaking, but it usually goes away after a few more brake applications. If the brake pads have just been replaced and are still in the break-in period, driving for 200-300 kilometers typically makes the noise disappear. However, prolonged noise requires checking if the brake caliper is retracting smoothly and if the piston is stuck. It's recommended that car owners regularly check the thickness of their brake pads; if it's below 3 millimeters, replace them immediately to prevent the noise from turning into a safety hazard.
I've noticed that sudden brake squealing is quite common, and I've experienced it myself. It could be due to the material of the brake pads—those with higher metal content tend to screech more. Another possibility is the brake pads being installed backward or the positioning spring falling off, causing direct metal-to-metal contact with the brake disc. If it's been raining a lot recently, sand and debris entering the brake system can also cause noise. My usual approach is to first check the thickness of the brake pads. If they're normal, I drive to the repair shop to have the car lifted and inspect the undercarriage for any trapped stones. In the past, when I didn't know better, I tried removing the wheels myself to clean out brake dust but ended up damaging the dust cover. Sometimes, the issue can be quite simple—a few hard brakes after washing the car might solve it. However, if the noise persists for more than a week, it's essential to seek a professional mechanic.
